Drivers Licence and Vehicle Registration Fees Now Reduced for Seniors

Seniors in this province can now take advantage of new discounts offered on fees for a driver’s licence and vehicle registration. The start date for these discounts is today, June 1. Discounted fees for seniors hunting, fishing, cutting wood and camping were introduced on May 1.

“Our seniors have spent a lifetime contributing to the province,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Service NL. “This is an opportunity for our government to recognize seniors, and help contribute to their ability to remain independent.”

Budget 2012: People and Prosperity, includes $3.7 million to provide seniors aged 65 and over with a 35 per cent reduction on driver’s licence and vehicle registration fees, and other licences and fees for such things as hunting, fishing, cutting wood and camping.

Minister Davis, along with the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Environment and Conservation, joined seniors at an event today at the Rotary Paradise Community Centre to outline the reduced fees. The event was attended by a number of seniors groups from Paradise and Mount Pearl.

“These discounts will mean a lot for our seniors,” said Maxine Earle, President of the Paradise Adventure 50+ Group. “It is encouraging to see government recognizing the impact seniors have on their communities, and on this province. The new fees will encourage more seniors to remain active, continue to drive their own vehicles and enjoy our parks and wildlife.”

The reduced fees complement the goals of the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework which aims to recognize older persons, celebrate diversity, support communities, encourage health and financial well-being, and support employment, education and research.

“I am really pleased that we are able to offer these discounts,” said Minister French. “With summer approaching, this is a great time for seniors to begin to take advantage of the new discounts, as they visit our parks and enjoy all that the province has to offer.”

For more details on the new fees please visit: www.servicenl.gov.nl.ca/seniors_discount_program.pdf

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2012 06 01                               1:45 p.m.